A new report from the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) has exposed flaws in the European Union's proposed internet filtering system. The document highlights how the system would block thousands of legal websites across Italy, Spain and Belgium. These errors occur despite no direct evidence of copyright infringement. The report argues that current practices lack proper oversight and shared responsibility among rights holders who request the blocks.
The CEPS study examines three cases where legal services were wrongly removed from the internet. In Italy, a music streaming platform was blocked for two weeks despite holding proper licensing. Spain saw a similar incident with an educational resource site targeted by a private rights holder. Belgium's case involved a news archive taken down for months before being restored. Each incident cost the affected parties significant revenue and reputation.
The report's lead author, a senior policy researcher at CEPS, states that the system as proposed would give rights holders too much power without accountability. Current EU regulations do not require rights holders to verify claims before requesting blocks. This leads to situations where legitimate businesses face sudden loss of service with no immediate appeal process.
The European Commission has not yet responded to the report's findings. However, the document will be presented to the European Parliament next month. Lawmakers from several countries have already expressed concerns about the potential for widespread overblocking. The report recommends mandatory independent reviews before any block takes effect and compensation for wrongfully blocked services.
The CEPS findings come as the EU debates its new Digital Services Act. The proposed filtering system remains controversial among digital rights groups who argue it could stifle innovation across Europe.
Source: itavisen.no